There are many ways I feel like I fail to fit autism stereotypes. I am a woman. I socialize well with the general population. I can't code or comprehend math and science. I couldn't care less about trains or dinosaurs. But for the purposes of this post, I don't relate to cats and I like dogs.
The cat thing is not by choice. I grew up with cats as a child. Then when my family's cat died, I tested positive for cat allergies. I didn't have it before but since then I'm unable to be around or touch a cat without my eyes watering and sneezing uncontrollably. It's a tragedy of great proportions because I do generally like cats. And I understand why the online autistic community likes cats - they can be aloof and antisocial unless they decide to form a bond with you. Cats get a bad reputation because of this and autistic people can relate. However, I don't often see myself in a cat - I am very sociable when need be while also enjoying my down time away from others. And because of that balance, I've found myself more and more attracted to dogs.
